Ah… the sounds of Canadian summer. The yearly battle between humans and mosquitoes rages in the yards of homes and cottages from coast to coast – and often, it seems, the insects are winning the war.
Feeling powerless, property owners turn to quick fixes that are often costly and ineffective. Necklaces and wristbands that emit ultrasonic sounds, bug zappers that promise to electrocute airborne trespassers and a host of other gadgets have proven to be largely futile.
So what is effective?
Nature itself provides some salvation. Many species of fish eat mosquito larvae. Bats can consume thousands of adult insects in a night. But even living near a lake or bat cave is typically not protection enough.
Understanding the lifecycle of the mosquito can help you control their populations around your property. Mosquito larvae need water to develop – particularly standing water. Swamps, ponds, puddles - even the pools of water that collect inside old tires - are prime habitats for growing mosquitoes. Employing better drainage around your yard and eliminating areas where water is allowed to stagnate can help reduce their numbers.
The most successful defence to date comes in the form of an insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethylmeta-toluamide). These sprays and lotions, applied directly to skin and clothing, work by blocking the mosquito’s carbon-dioxide receptors, thereby disabling its ability to recognize you as a living, breathing food source.
There has been a lot of negative buzz around DEET, but the general consensus now is that the product is safe when used as directed. Children should not use products that contain more than 10% DEET and should have an adult apply it. DEET repellents should not be over-applied and should never be applied on wounds, irritated skin or under clothing. Skin and clothing should be thoroughly washed after using a DEET insect repellent.
In the end it might be wardrobe that provides the safest and easiest insect protection. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours and bare skin, making light coloured clothing with long sleeves a smart choice. If the mosquitoes are still getting under your skin, it may be best to retreat to an area protected by mosquito netting (a fine, breathable mesh that blocks mosquitoes from entering), or to the safety of your home or cottage in the early morning and evening. Most varieties of mosquitoes do the bulk of their feeding near dawn or at dusk.
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